My PM was implanted in October, 2009. Everything is going well except I have a bit of burning/stinging often around the area where the PM was placed. It does not last long. What do you think this means?

Also, is there a general time frame for the doctor to monitor
the PM? Should it be checked more often? I went back in November, 2009 for my first check-up, everything was ok, however I did not know the questions to ask and the nurse told me they would monitor it again in six months. Since I joined the PM Club, I am learning more about what to ask when I go to the doctor.

ECB

 

 

Hi ECB,

I got my PM in Oct of 09 also. I had my incision follow up 10 days after implant then 3months after that and now I am on every 3months follow up although the PM RN said if you have no problems they can stretch them out a little longer so you dont have to pay for the check ups as often. I sometimes have a little stinging sensation around my incision site, is that where yours is? So if your not having problems 6 months should be ok and you can always go in sooner if you have any issues is what my Dr.s have told me. Carol

 

Hi ECB,
Sounds like the normal burning and stinging associated with scare tissue being formed. This is normal. I had my first pacemaker implanted in 2004 and just recently had a new Biventricular one with the ICD implanted 3 weeks ago. My check ups were every 6 months on my last one. Sounds like yours is ok.......
Tom.....

 

They probably told you that it would be quick and you would be all ok within a week and back to normal. They did me. The reality is that if it does not happen as prescribed, you will have problems as you and countless others do.
Depending on where you live, you will get different treatment. I found there was endless advice on tap when they told me I needed a PM. This advice was very quick in coming.
After the PM implant, if you have problems, you join the queue (unless you pay). The answers are not so direct or clear anymore. You will also find lots of contradiction between various consultants.
Look at the posts on here, you can go in many times and seek/demand advice, and get a variety of answers.
The one thing that tells you if you are ok is you and no one else.

 

My burning & stinging went on for months and months. Eventually it went away. Occasionally I still get it and I've had my pacer now for 5+ yrs. Sometimes it even itches!!!

My check ups are every 6 months and I have a Medtronic Enpulse dual lead.



Pookie

 

These symptoms can be caused by various things, including a hypertrophic scar or nerve pain. I had both of these symptoms for quite a while after my PM implant, and eventually they were solved by going to see a plastic surgeon who said there was absolutely no good reason to live with pain following PM surgery. She injected kenalog into my scar tissue to get rid of the hypertrophic scar pain, and then recommended I do "vibration therapy" with a "massager" (read: "vibrator") to get rid of the nerve pain. I was at wits end and willing to try ANYTHING despite her recommendations sounding a little weird to me. Bottom line: they worked! After many months of living with pain that varied, but severe enough it left me depressed, I found complete relief. If you want more details, go to the "search" bar in the top right corner of the home page, type in "hypertrophic scar" and you'll find my very length posting on this topic with all the somewhat bizarre details. I'm a big fan of continuing to push doctors to fix your problems -- they won't do it otherwise, and I was unwilling to live with chronic pain from a "simple" PM surgery! Best wishes to you in resolving your problems.
CathrynB